Still images and time-lapse montages for early (6.10-6.21 pm) and late (6.39-6.50 pm) Volcanic Sunset Twilight Arches.

During the month of March there has been an increase in the number and intensity of volcanic sunsets produced by lingering stratospheric aerosols from the January 2022 eruption of the Hunga-Tonga volcano. Some have been accompanied by spectacular crepuscular rays, others have been limited to brightly colored twilight arches which at maximum extent almost reach zenith above the western horizon. These displays have been accompanied by the occurrence of a phenomenon that was more frequently observed closer to the date of the eruption. Namely the appearance of an early brightly colored twilight arch within 30-40 minutes of sunset followed by a late fainter but more widespread pastel colored twilight arch which is barely visible to the naked eye but persists in high sensitivity manual exposures taken until darkness approaches up to an hour-and-a-half after sunset. I suspect that the late twilight arches are being produced by the reflection of more distant setting sunlight from higher stratospheric or even mesospheric aerosols. The difference between the early and late volcanic sunset twilight arches on March 24th is shown in the accompanying composite montage. The still image of the late twilight arch at peak intensity shows that this almost reached Jupiter and the adjacent bright star Aldebaran in the evening sky! Lack of feedback from my numerous volcanic sunset posts since 2022 has so far not confirmed or refuted39- my suspicion that the early volcanic sunset twilight arches may be originating from the lower stratosphere whereas the late volcanic sunset twilight arches may be originating from the upper stratosphere and/or the mesosphere. Any suggestions?

Tripod-mounted Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 in sunset (6.10-6.17 pm) and manual (6.39-6.50 pm) exposure modes.

Compilation of composite montage consisting of maximum brightness still images and timelapse montages for early and late volcanic sunset twilight arches.